Reception of broadcast data in a data carousel transmission scheme and television receiver for the same

ABSTRACT

Provided is a reception apparatus including a reception unit that receives broadcast content transmitted by a broadcast waves of digital broadcasting, a first obtaining unit that obtains transmission data other than data-broadcast content, the transmission data being transmitted in a data carousel transmission scheme by the broadcast wave, and a control unit that controls a predetermined operation based on the obtained transmission data.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/390,250 filed in USPTO on Oct. 2, 2014 which is a NationalStage Application of PCT/JP2013/060359, filed Apr. 4, 2013, and claimsthe benefit of priority from Japanese Priority Patent Application JP2012-091252 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Apr. 12, 2012. Each ofthe above referenced applications is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a reception apparatus, a receptionmethod, a transmission apparatus, a transmission method, and a programand particularly relates to a reception apparatus, a reception method, atransmission apparatus, a transmission method, and a program configuredto be able to transmit various data by broadcast waves of digitalbroadcasting.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, along with initiation of digital broadcasting, databroadcasting in a BML (Broadcast Markup Language) scheme has been widelycarried out. In data broadcasting, data is transmitted in a datacarousel transmission scheme of transmitting data in informationtransmission units referred to as modules. In the data carouseltransmission scheme, transmission can be repeatedly carried out in theunits referred to as a data carousel which is gathering of some modules,and a receiver can display data broadcasting such as news and weatherforecasts at any time.

The present applicant has proposed a technique of superimposing anddisplaying the images of a sign language on the images of content bymultiplexing and transmitting the modules of the data carousel storingsign-language word images (for example, see Patent Literature 1).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP 2011-91619A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Incidentally, depending on the mode of the operation of the digitalbroadcasting, various data used for the purposes other than existingdata broadcasting is required to be transmitted by broadcast waves.Particularly, introduction of broadcasting referred to as hybrid-typebroadcasting utilizing communication in addition to broadcast waves hasbeen studied. However, in order to link the broadcasting andcommunication thereof, transmitting of control information forcontrolling the linkage by the broadcast waves is also expected.

However, currently, a technical scheme for transmitting various data bythe broadcast waves of the digital broadcasting has not beenestablished.

The present techniques have been accomplished in view of suchcircumstances and enable transmission of various data by the broadcastwaves of the digital broadcasting by utilizing the data carouseltransmission scheme.

Solution to Problem

A reception apparatus according to a first aspect of the presenttechnology includes a reception unit that receives broadcast contenttransmitted by a broadcast waves of digital broadcasting, a firstobtaining unit that obtains transmission data other than data-broadcastcontent, the transmission data being transmitted in a data carouseltransmission scheme by the broadcast wave, and a control unit thatcontrols a predetermined operation based on the obtained transmissiondata.

The transmission data is control information for controlling anoperation of an application program executed in conjunction with thebroadcast content. The control unit controls the operation of theapplication program distributed via a network in accordance with thecontrol information.

The reception apparatus further includes a second obtaining unit thatobtains identification information on a module for transmitting thecontrol information, the identification information being described inan additional data descriptor different from a data-encoding-schemedescriptor in a data elementary stream description region of a PMT(Program Map Table) transmitted by the broadcast wave. The firstobtaining unit obtains the control information from the moduleidentified by the obtained identification information.

Information indicating a type of the transmission data is described inthe additional data descriptor.

When the control information is specified as the type, the control unitcontrols the operation of the application program in accordance with setcontent described in the additional data descriptor.

When the control information is specified as the type, informationindicating a transmission scheme of the control information is describedas additional information in the additional data descriptor.

When the control information is specified as the type, informationindicating priority of activation between the application program andthe data-broadcast content is described as additional information in theadditional data descriptor.

The first obtaining unit obtains identification information on a modulefor transmitting the control information obtained from a DII (DownloadInfo Indication) storing directory information on a DDB (Download DataBlock) in the data carousel transmission scheme, and obtains the controlinformation from the module identified by the obtained identificationinformation.

When the control information specified as default and described in areserve region of a data-encoding-scheme descriptor in a data elementarystream description region of a PMT (Program Map Table) transmitted bythe broadcast wave is transmitted, the control unit controls theoperation of the application program in accordance with set contentdetermined in advance.

When the control information specified as the default is nottransmitted, information indicating a transmission scheme of the controlinformation is described as additional information in the reserveregion.

When the control information specified as the default is nottransmitted, information indicating priority of activation between theapplication program and the data-broadcast content is described asadditional information in the reserve region.

The reception apparatus may be an independent apparatus or an internalblock constituting one apparatus.

The reception method or program of a first aspect of the presenttechniques is a reception method or program corresponding to thereception apparatus of the above-described first aspect of the presenttechniques.

In the reception apparatus, reception method, and program of the firstaspect of the present techniques, the broadcast content transmitted bythe broadcast waves of the digital broadcasting are received, thetransmission data that is transmitted in the data carousel transmissionscheme by the broadcast waves and is other than the data-broadcastcontent is obtained, and the predetermined operation is controlled basedon the obtained transmission data.

A transmission apparatus of a second aspect of the present techniques isprovided with a first transmission unit that transmits the broadcastcontent transmitted by the broadcast waves of the digital broadcastingand a second transmission unit that transmits the transmission data thatis transmitted in the data carousel transmission scheme by the broadcastwaves and is other than the data-broadcast content.

A transmission method of the second aspect of the present techniques isa transmission method corresponding to the transmission apparatus of theabove-described second aspect of the present techniques.

In the transmission apparatus and the transmission method of the secondaspect of the present techniques, the broadcast content transmitted bythe broadcast waves of the digital broadcasting are transmitted, and thetransmission data that is transmitted in the data carousel transmissionscheme by the broadcast waves and is other than the data-broadcastcontent is transmitted.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the first aspect and the second aspect of the presenttechniques, various data can be transmitted by the broadcast waves ofthe digital broadcasting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a configuration of an embodiment of abroadcast system to which the present techniques are applied.

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a configuration of an embodiment of areception apparatus to which the present techniques are applied.

FIG. 3 is a drawing explaining an outline of transmission oftransmission data in a data carousel transmission scheme.

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a structure of a DSM-CC section.

FIG. 5 is a drawing explaining a reception operation of the receptionapparatus in the data carousel transmission scheme.

FIG. 6 is a drawing explaining an outline of a specific operationexample.

FIG. 7 is a drawing explaining an operation sequence of the receptionapparatus.

FIG. 8 is a drawing showing description content of application controlinformation.

FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a structure of a PMT.

FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a description example of a PMT according toa first scheme.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart explaining an application control processaccording to the first scheme.

FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a description example of a PMT according toa second scheme.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart explaining an application control processaccording to the second scheme.

FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a configuration example of a computer.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present techniques will be explainedwith reference to drawings.

[Configuration Example of Broadcasting System]

FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a configuration of an embodiment of abroadcast system to which the present techniques are applied.

A broadcast system 1 consists of a broadcast apparatus 10, a receptionapparatus 20, and an application server 30. Moreover, the receptionapparatus 20 and the application server 30 are mutually connected viathe Internet 40.

The broadcast apparatus 10 is configured to transmit broadcast signalsof broadcast content such as TV programs and commercials by broadcastwaves of digital broadcasting.

The reception apparatus 20 receives the broadcast signals, which aretransmitted from the broadcast apparatus 10 by the broadcast waves ofthe digital broadcasting, and obtains images and sounds of the broadcastcontent. The reception apparatus 20 outputs the obtained images to adisplay and outputs the sounds to a speaker.

Note that the reception apparatus 20 may be present as a singleapparatus or may be configured to be built in, for example, a televisionreceiver or a video recorder. A detailed configuration of the receptionapparatus 20 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

The broadcast apparatus 10 puts application control information, whichis for controlling the operation of a linked application(s), in thebroadcast signals and transmits them.

Herein, the linked application is an application program executed inconjunction with the broadcast content such as TV programs and isdistributed by the application server 30, which is connected to theInternet 40.

Moreover, the application control information is transmitted by thebroadcast waves of the digital broadcasting by utilizing a data carouseltransmission scheme. Thus, the data carousel transmission scheme is alsoused for transmitting the application control information in the presentembodiment, while the data carousel transmission scheme is atransmission scheme which is used in data broadcasting as describedabove.

In the application control information, “Auto Start”, “Present”, “Kill”,“Prefetch”, etc. are described as control commands for controlling theoperation of the linked application.

“Auto Start” is a command with which the reception apparatus 20automatically instantly executes the linked application. On the otherhand, “Present” is a command for showing whether the linked applicationis executable in a case in which the linked application is executed atarbitrary timing in response to a request from the outside instead ofautomatically executing the linked application.

“Kill” is a command for causing the reception apparatus 20 to terminateexecution of the linked application. Furthermore, “Prefetch” is acommand for obtaining the linked application in advance.

Moreover, in the application control information, a URL (UniformResource Locator) of the application server 30 is described as theinformation on an obtainment source of the linked application.

Based on the application control information, the reception apparatus20, for example, obtains and executes a linked application which is setso as to be automatically instantly executed. In that process, thereception apparatus 20 accesses the application server 30 via theInternet 40 in accordance with the URL described in the applicationcontrol information and obtains the linked application.

The application server 30 manages the linked applications. Theapplication server 30 is provided by, for example, a broadcastingprovider or the like which broadcasts the broadcast content by thebroadcast apparatus 10.

In response to an inquiry from the reception apparatus 20, theapplication server 30 distributes the linked application, which ismanaged thereby, to the reception apparatus 20 via the Internet 40.

The broadcast system 1 is configured in the above manner.

[Configuration Example of Reception Apparatus]

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a configuration of an embodiment of thereception apparatus to which the present techniques are applied.

The reception apparatus 20 consists of a control unit 101, amanipulation unit 102, a tuner 103, a demultiplexing unit 104, a videodecoder 105, an audio decoder 106, a synthesis unit 107, an image outputunit 108, a sound output unit 109, a carousel processing unit 110, adata-broadcast control unit 111, a table obtaining/analyzing unit 112,an application control unit 113, a communication I/F 114, and a memory115.

The control unit 101 controls the operation of the units of thereception apparatus 20.

The manipulation unit 102 supplies manipulation signals, whichcorrespond to manipulations by users, to the control unit 101. Inresponse to the manipulation signals from the manipulation unit 102, thecontrol unit 101 controls the operation of the units of the receptionapparatus 20.

The tuner 103 receives and demodulates the broadcast signalscorresponding to a selected channel and supplies a transport stream,which is obtained as a result thereof, to the demultiplexing unit 104.

The demultiplexing unit 104 separates the transport stream, which issupplied from the tuner 103, into a video elementary stream, an audioelementary stream, and a data elementary stream. The demultiplexing unit104 supplies, among the separated streams, the video elementary streamto the video decoder 105, supplies the audio elementary stream to theaudio decoder 106, and supplies the data elementary stream to thecarousel processing unit 110.

Note that, in the transport stream, a stream for control information,etc. are multiplexed in addition to the above-described streams. In acase of MPEG2-TS (Moving Picture Experts Group 2—Transport Stream), thestream for the control information contains information on PSI/SI, etc.

PSI (Program Specific Information) is the information required in asystem which selects and receives a particular channel. PSI contains aPMT. PMT (Program Map Table) stores PIDs (Packet IDs) of images, sounds,etc. contained in a certain program. SI (Service Information) isinformation such as program information and contains, for example, anEIT. The EIT (Event Information Table) contains information about aprogram such as the name, broadcast time and date, broadcast content,etc. of the program.

The video decoder 105 decodes the video elementary stream, which issupplied from the demultiplexing unit 104, and supplies image signalsobtained as a result thereof to the synthesis unit 107. The synthesisunit 107 supplies the image signals, which are supplied from the videodecoder 105, to the image output unit 108.

The image output unit 108 outputs the image signals, which are suppliedfrom the synthesis unit 107, to an external display (not shown). As aresult, the display displays images of a TV program or the like.

The audio decoder 106 decodes the audio elementary stream, which issupplied from the demultiplexing unit 104, and supplies sound signalsobtained as a result thereof to the sound output unit 109.

The sound output unit 109 outputs the sound signals, which are suppliedfrom the audio decoder 106, to an external speaker (not shown). As aresult, the sounds corresponding to the images of the TV program or thelike are output from the speaker.

The carousel processing unit 110 extracts the data of content for databroadcast (hereinafter, referred to as data-broadcast content) from thedata elementary stream, which is supplied from the demultiplexing unit104 and supplies the data to the data-broadcast control unit 111. Notethat, although details will be described later, the data of thedata-broadcast content is transmitted by respective data-constitutingobjects referred to as modules in the data carousel transmission scheme.

The data-broadcast control unit 111 controls the operation of thedata-broadcast content, which are supplied from the carousel processingunit 110. For example, if the data-broadcast content consists ofBML-form documents, the data-broadcast control unit 111 supplies imagesignals corresponding to the data-broadcast content to the synthesisunit 107 by controlling a BML browser.

The image signals from the video decoder 105 and the image signals fromthe data-broadcast control unit 111 are supplied to the synthesis unit107. The synthesis unit 107 synthesizes the image signals of the TVprogram or the like and the image signals of the data-broadcast contentand supplies them to the image output unit 108. As a result, forexample, images in which the information on data broadcast such asweather forecasts is superimposed on a TV program are displayed on thedisplay.

The table obtaining/analyzing unit 112 always monitors the stream forthe control information separated from the demultiplexing unit 104 andobtains the PMT. The table obtaining/analyzing unit 112 analyzes theobtained PMT and supplies the analysis result thereof to the carouselprocessing unit 110.

The carousel processing unit 110 extracts the application controlinformation from the data elementary stream, which is supplied from thedemultiplexing unit 104, based on the analysis result, etc. suppliedfrom the table obtaining/analyzing unit 112 and supplies the applicationcontrol information to the application control unit 113. Note that,although details will be described later, the application controlinformation is transmitted by respective data-constituting objectsreferred to as modules in the data carousel transmission scheme.

The application control unit 113 controls the operation of the linkedapplication based on the application control information, which issupplied from the carousel processing unit 110.

In accordance with the control from the application control unit 113,the communication I/F 114 accesses the application server 30 via theInternet 40 and requests the linked application. The communication I/F114 receives the linked application, which is distributed from theapplication server 30, and stores the linked application in the memory115.

Based on the application control information, the application controlunit 113 reads the linked application, which is stored in the memory115, and controls the operation thereof. For example, if the linkedapplication consists of HTML5 (Hyper Text Markup Language 5) formatdocuments, the application control unit 113 supplies the image signals,which correspond to the linked application, to the synthesis unit 107,by controlling a HTML browser.

The image signals from the video decoder 105 and the image signals fromthe application control unit 113 are supplied to the synthesis unit 107.The synthesis unit 107 synthesizes the image signals of the TV programor the like and the image signals of the linked application and suppliesthem to the image output unit 108. As a result, the images in which thelinked application is superimposed on the TV program are displayed onthe display.

Note that, in the configuration example of FIG. 2, it has been explainedthat the image signals and the sound signals are output to the outside.However, if the reception apparatus 20 is constituted as a televisionreceiver, the signals are configured to be respectively supplied to adisplay and a speaker built therein.

The reception apparatus 20 is configured in the above manner.

[Outline of Data Carousel Transmission Scheme]

In the present embodiment, by using the data carousel transmissionscheme, data such as the data-broadcast content and application controlinformation (hereinafter, the data transmitted in the data carouseltransmission scheme will be referred to as transmission data) istransmitted. Therefore, next, the transmission data transmitted in thedata carousel transmission scheme will be explained with reference toFIG. 3 to FIG. 5.

FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining an outline of data transmission inthe data carousel transmission scheme. Note that, herein, a case inwhich data-broadcast content is transmitted as the transmission data isexplained as an example.

As shown in FIG. 3, the data-broadcast content consists of BML files andclusters such as image files of JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)and PNG (Portable Network Graphics) and are managed in folder units, inwhich the files are stored in a directory configuration. When thedata-broadcast content is transmitted in the data carousel transmissionscheme, the files serving as a transmission target is formed intomultipart in virtual folder units.

Moreover, in the data carousel transmission scheme, two types ofmessages, which are DDB (Download Data Block) containing actual data ofthe data-broadcast content and DII (Download Info Indication) storingdirectory information on the DDB, are mainly utilized.

DDBs correspond to respective blocks of the modules, and block numbersare allocated thereto. The reception apparatus 20 rearranges obtaineddata blocks in the order of the block numbers, thereby rebuilding themodules. DIIs represent the index information on the transmissiontargets in a data carousel. Moreover, the information about a pluralityof modules can be described by a single DII. When the DII is received,the reception apparatus 20 recognizes the configurations of the modules.

Since the modules formed into blocks are cyclically transmitted in thedata carousel transmission scheme as conceptually shown in FIG. 3, thereception apparatus 20 obtains DDBs based on a DII and rebuilds thetarget modules. Note that, although the transmission order of the DDBsand the DII is arbitrary, the DII is transmitted at a comparatively highfrequency since the DII stores the data corresponding to the indexinformation.

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the structure of a DSM-CC section formessage transmission of DDB or DII.

As shown in the upper part of FIG. 4, the DSM-CC section consists of asection header, a payload part, and a CRC part. The above-describedblocks of the module are stored in the payload part. The section headerstores table identification information, a section length, tableidentification expansion, version information, etc. and sectioninformation.

In the table identification information, the information indicating thatwhether this section is a DDB message or a DII message is described. Thesection length indicates the size of the section excluding the fields ofthe table identification information and the section length per se. Thetable identification expansion, the version information, etc. havedifferent meanings depending on the value of the table identificationinformation. In the section information, a section number and a lastsection number are stored.

The CRC part is a check code for verifying whether TS packetsconstituting the section have been orderly correctly collected or notand is used for an error correcting process by cyclic redundancy check(Cyclic Redundancy Check).

Also, in the lower part of FIG. 4, the structures of a DDB message and aDII message are shown.

If this section is a DDB message, the payload part consists of blockdata and the information indicating a module ID, a module version, and ablock number.

As the module ID, the identification information on the module containedin this DDB is described. As the module version, the version informationon the module contained in this DDB is described. Also, as the blocknumber, the number of each block of the module contained in this DDB isdescribed.

If this section is a DII message, the payload part consists of carouselgeneral information which is the information about general transmissionin the data carousel transmission scheme, module unit information whichis the information on modules, and private data.

This carousel general information contains a download ID, a block size,a carousel cycle, and the number of modules. As the download ID, theidentification information on download by this DII is described. As theblock size, the size of each block is described. Meanwhile, as thecarousel cycle, the cycle of transmission is described. As the number ofmodules, the number of the modules to be transmitted is described.

Meanwhile, this module unit information contains a module ID, a modulesize, a module version, a content type, an accumulation validated date,and a data compression scheme as information for each module. As themodule ID, the identification information on the module to betransmitted by DDB is described. As the module size, the size of themodule to be transmitted by DDB is described. As the module version, theversion information on the module to be transmitted by DDB is described.As the content type, the accumulation validated date, and the datacompression scheme, the type of the file, an accumulation time limit,and a data compression scheme are described, respectively.

The private data contains, for example, a pullback flag.

In the broadcast apparatus 10, this section is further divided, storedin a plurality of continuous TS packets, and transmitted. Moreover, inthe data carousel transmission scheme, data-broadcast content iscyclically transmitted in block (section) units. On the other hand, thereception apparatus 20 receives the TS packets, restores the section byusing these TS packets, and rebuilds the original module by using therestored section. Then, in the reception apparatus 20, thedata-broadcast content is restored based on the module identified by themodule ID.

Specifically, the operation shown in FIG. 5 is carried out in thereception apparatus 20. Specifically, if the data-broadcast content isto be displayed by a BML browser, the data-broadcast control unit 111carries out filter setting with respect to the demultiplexing unit 104so that a DDB message specifying “0” as a module ID is obtained. Morespecifically, since a BML-form document to be displayed first istransmitted by a module having a module ID which is “0”, upon activationof the data-broadcast content, the module having the module ID which is“0” has to be rebuilt, and such module filter setting is carried out.Note that the module ID which is “0” is specified by the DII message orinformation set in advance.

In accordance with the module filter setting, the demultiplexing unit104 rebuilds the module from the DDB message of the module ID which is“0” and stores it in a cache memory. Note that the cache memory has, asthe size thereof, at least a size that is an integral multiple of thesize of the module and can store data in module units. Thedata-broadcast control unit 111 accesses the cache memory, reads themodule having the module ID which is “0”, restores the BML-form documentwhich is to be displayed first, and displays the document by the BMLbrowser. As a result, the BML browser displays a top page of thedata-broadcast content.

Then, if a transition to another BML-form document is to be made,similarly, module filter setting is carried out so that the module ofthe module ID for transmitting the BML-form document at the transitiondestination is obtained, the module of the corresponding module ID isobtained, and the BML-form document at the transition destination isrestored.

Hereinabove, the outline of the data carousel transmission scheme hasbeen explained.

[Specific Operation Example]

Incidentally, in the present embodiment, as the transmission data, theapplication control information is transmitted in addition to thedata-broadcast content. In the reception apparatus 20, based on thetransmitted application control information, the operation of the linkedapplication is controlled. Therefore, next, a specific operation examplefor providing the linked application will be explained with reference toFIG. 6 to FIG. 13.

(Outline of Operation Example)

FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an outline of a specific operationexample.

As shown in FIG. 6, when data-broadcast content and application controlinformation are transmitted in the data carousel transmission scheme,both of the data-broadcast content and a linked application can beoperated in the reception apparatus 20. The data-broadcast content andthe linked application are produced in different production environmentsand provided.

Therefore, the data-broadcast content produced in the productionenvironment of the data-broadcast content is cyclically transmitted inthe data carousel transmission scheme by DDBs and DIIs in theabove-described manner. The reception apparatus 20 obtains the DDBsbased on the DII and rebuilds target modules, thereby operating thedata-broadcast content (in FIG. 6, described as “BML Content”).

On the other hand, in a case of the linked application produced in theproduction environment of the linked application, the applicationcontrol information for controlling the operation of the linkedapplication is cyclically transmitted by DDBs in the data carouseltransmission scheme. The reception apparatus 20 obtains the DDBs basedon PMT or DII and rebuilds target modules, thereby obtaining theapplication control information.

Herein, this is the application control information transmitted by apredetermined module and is obtained by specifying, for PMT or DII, themodule ID of the module for transmitting the application controlinformation. More specifically, the reception apparatus 20 obtains theapplication control information by referencing the PMT or DII andrebuilding the module of the specified module ID. Then, the receptionapparatus 20 operates the linked application based on the obtainedapplication control information.

Note that, in FIG. 6, the linked application is described as “HTML 5Apps” since it is a HTML 5 form document. Moreover, the applicationcontrol information is, for example, described and provided in AIT(Application Information Table). However, in the case of the example ofFIG. 6, AIT is described as “XML-AIT” since it is provided as an XML(Extensible Markup Language) form document. The information forobtaining this “XML-AIT” is described in the PMT or DII.

(Operation Sequence)

Next, an operation sequence of the reception apparatus 20 will beexplained with reference to FIG. 7. Note that, FIG. 7 explains anexample in which module ID of the module which transmits the applicationcontrol information is obtained from a PMT.

As shown in FIG. 7, a broadcast stream is multiplexed with a videoelementary stream, an audio elementary stream, and a stream for controlinformation and is broadcasted. Moreover, a data elementary stream istransmitted in the data carousel transmission scheme.

When the PMT is received, for example, at the timing of selection of aTV program, the reception apparatus 20 retains the received PMT. Thereception apparatus 20 obtains the application control informationcontained in AIT transmitted by the module of the module ID specified bythe PMT (S1).

If the control command contained in the application control informationspecifies Auto Start, the reception apparatus 20 obtains and activatesthe linked application from the application server 30 via the Internet40 (S2). As a result, the display displays an image in which an imageP11 of the linked application is superimposed on the image of the TVprogram.

Then, if the module version of the module of the module ID specified bythe PMT is changed, the reception apparatus 20 obtains the applicationcontrol information contained in the AIT transmitted by the module (S3).

If the control command contained in the application control informationspecifies Kill, the reception apparatus 20 terminates the linkedapplication, which is being operated (S4). As a result, as for displayon the display, the image P11 of the linked application displayedsuperimposed on the image of the TV program is terminated, and an imageof only this program is displayed.

Moreover, if the module version of the module of the module ID specifiedby the PMT is further changed, the reception apparatus 20 obtains theapplication control information contained in the AIT transmitted by themodule (S5).

If the control command contained in the application control informationspecifies Auto Start, the reception apparatus 20 obtains the linkedapplication from the application server 30 via the Internet 40 andactivates it (S6). As a result, the display displays the image in whichan image P12 of the linked application is superimposed on the image ofthe TV program.

In the above-described manner, in the reception apparatus 20, the moduleof the module ID specified by the PMT is always monitored, theapplication control information is obtained when the module version ofthe module is changed, and the operation corresponding to the controlcommand contained in the application control information is carried out.

(Application Control Information)

Next, details of the application control information will be explainedwith reference to FIG. 8. In the application control information, forexample, items shown in FIG. 8 are described.

As an application type, the type of the linked application is described.As this type, for example, HTML 5 is fixedly specified.

As a provider ID, the identification information on a provider thatprovides the linked application is described.

As an application ID, the identification information on the linkedapplication which is unique in a particular provider is described. Thus,the application ID enables unique identification of the linkedapplication when used in combination with the above-described providerID.

As application control commands, control actions for the target linkedapplication are described. As the control commands, specified operationssuch as “Auto Start”, “Present”, “Kill”, and “Prefetch” are described.

As an application specification version, version information on eachapplication type described above is described.

As a receiver-request-function profile, a profile value indicating afunction that is requested from the linked application to the receptionapparatus 20 is described. Therefore, if the reception apparatus 20 hasthe function described by this profile value, the reception apparatus 20determines that the linked application can be utilized.

As an application URL, an obtainment source URL of the linkedapplication is described.

As an application boundary, an operation range of the linked applicationis described. This operation range is specified by boundary information.

For example, as the boundary information, a particular domain isspecified as the operation range of the linked application, and theoperation of the linked application is allowed within the range of thisdomain. However, the domain of the obtainment source URL of the linkedapplication described as the above-described application URL may serveas the boundary information.

As an application broadcast linked range, a linked operation range ofthe linked application is described. This linked operation range isspecified as a bind type.

For example, if service bound (Service_bound) is specified as the bindtype, the linked application is linked and operated in a predeterminedservice. If provider bound (Provider_bound) is specified, the linkedapplication is linked and operated in the same broadcasting provider. Ifunbound (U-bound) is specified, the linked application is linked andoperated without limitation.

As application priority, priority in the same application type isdescribed. For example, as the application priority, the valueindicating which application program is prioritized among applicationprograms of HTML 5 form documents is specified.

As a server-access dispersion parameter, a control parameter fordispersing access to the application server 30 by dispersing theapplication timing of commands is described.

Note that, in the application control information, the application type,the provider ID, the application ID, the application control command,and the application specification version are essential items.Meanwhile, the receiver-request-function profile, the application URL,the application boundary, and the application broadcast linked range areoption items with conditions. Furthermore, the application priority andthe server-access dispersion parameter are completely option items.

Hereinabove, details of the application control information have beenexplained.

(Structure of PMT)

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, details of the PMT will be explained.FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the structure of the PMT.

As table_id, identification information on the PMT is described. Assection_syntax_indicator, “1” is described.

As section_length, the section length of the PMT is described. Asprogram_number, service_id of this service is described.

As version_number, version information is described. Ascurrent_next_indicator, “1” is described. As section_number, “0x00” isdescribed. As last_section_numer, “0x00” is described.

As PCR_PID, a PID of PCR of this service is described. Asprogram_info_length, the loop length of a first loop is described. Asdescriptor( ) in this first loop, CA_descriptor which is a descriptorused in a fee-based/copyright-protection service,digital_copy_control_descriptor which is a descriptor used in copycontrol, content_availability_descriptor, etc. are described.

In a second loop, stream_type, elementary_PID, and ES_info_length aredescribed. As stream_type, stream form identification of the target isdescribed. As elementary_PID, a PID of a TS packet which transmits arelated elementary stream or payload is described. As ES_info_length,the length of ES descriptor subsequent thereto is described.

As descriptor( ) in this second loop, CA_descriptor used in afee-based/copyright-protection service in an elementary stream unit,digital_copy_control_descriptor used in copy control in an elementarystream unit, content_availability_descriptor, etc. are described.Furthermore, as a data-encoding-scheme descriptor,data_component_descriptor is described.

The PMT consists of the above-described structure.

Incidentally, the module ID of the module for transmitting theapplication control information is specified by the PMT or DII, andthere are two methods below as the method of describing the PMT forproviding the application control information. That is, first, a methodof adding and defining a new descriptor without changing the descriptioncontent of the data-encoding-scheme descriptor described as “descriptor”in the second loop of the above-described PMT and, secondly, a method ofutilizing a reserve region in the data-encoding-scheme descriptor.

Hereinafter, the former one will be referred to as a first scheme, andthe latter one will be referred to as a second scheme to give anexplanation.

(First Scheme)

First, the first scheme will be explained with reference to FIG. 10 andFIG. 11.

FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a description example of a PMT according tothe first scheme. As shown in FIG. 10, in the first scheme, in the PMT,information about the application control information is described by anadditional data descriptor, which is different from thedata-encoding-scheme descriptor.

If additional_data_module_descriptor( ) is described as the additionaldata descriptor, the following content is described.

As descriptor_tag, a tag value allocated to this descriptor isdescribed. Also, as descriptor_length, a descriptor length of thisdescriptor is described.

As data_type, the type of the transmission data is described. If, forexample, the application control information is transmitted by an AIT,the AIT is specified here. If other transmission data is to betransmitted, the type indicating the effect is described here.

As representative_module_id, identification information indicating bywhich module the transmission data specified by above-describeddata_type is transmitted is described. For example, if an AIT isspecified as data_type, the transmission data is transmitted by themodule of a particular module ID. However, since some of thetransmission data is transmitted by a plurality of modules, in thatcase, a representative module ID is described asrepresentative_module_id, and, as a result, corresponding modules areidentified by this module ID.

Herein, an example in which only one representative module ID isspecified is explained. However, if the transmission data is transmittedby a plurality of modules, a plurality of module IDs of the targets maybe specified.

As additional_additional_data_info( ) data which is further added to theadditional data is described. Therein, additional data corresponding tothe transmission data specified by above-described data_type isdescribed. For example, if AIT is specified by data_type, as shown inFIG. 10, ait_identifier_info( ) is described. As ait_identifier_info( )the following content is described.

As application_type, the type of the linked application operated inaccordance with the control commands is described. For example, if HTML5 is specified as this type, an operation of activating and preparing aHTML browser in advance can be carried out in the reception apparatus20.

As transport_type, information indicating by which type the AIT istransmitted is described. Since the AIT is transmitted as a file of anXML-form document in the data carousel transmission scheme in this case,1-bit information indicating the effect is described.

A case in which the AIT is transmitted as a file of an XML-form documentin the data carousel transmission scheme and, for example, a case inwhich the AIT is transmitted as binary data by a stream of AIT sectionsare expected. Therefore, in that case, 1-bit information indicating inwhich scheme of them it is transmitted is described.

As auto_start_priority, the value is described indicating the priorityamong the types of other application programs (in this case, includingdata-broadcast content) in a case in which the linked application is tobe automatically activated (Auto Start) in accordance with the controlcommand.

This value is specified by two bits. Therefore, for example, if thedata-broadcast content consists of BML-form documents, the value of thepriority of the BML is set to 0.5 as default; as a result, if the valueof the priority of a target type is higher than 0.5, the prioritythereof becomes higher than the BML-form documents, while the prioritythereof becomes lower than the BML-form documents if lower than 0.5. Ifa plurality of types having higher priority than the BML-form documentsare present, the application program of the type having the highestvalue of the priority thereof is automatically activated.

Note that the PMT is the information transmitted at a frequency of 100msec or less and is obtained for example when a channel is selected.Therefore, the reception apparatus 20 can always obtain the valueindicating this priority upon activation of the application program.Therefore, the reception apparatus 20 can instantly judge this priorityupon activation of the application program and activate the applicationprogram of high priority.

As AIT_version_number, the version information on the AIT is described.

In the first scheme, the PMT is described in the above-described manner.

The description content of the additional data descriptor according tothe first scheme is arbitrary and is not limited to the descriptionexample of FIG. 10.

(Application Control Process of First Scheme)

Next, an application control process according to the first scheme willbe explained with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 11.

In step S101, the table obtaining/analyzing unit 112 obtains a PMT atpredetermined timing such as upon channel selection.

In step S102, the table obtaining/analyzing unit 112 analyzes theobtained PMT and, according to representative_module_id described in theadditional data descriptor, identifies the module ID of the module bywhich an AIT is transmitted.

In step S103, the carousel processing unit 110 starts monitoring of themodule of the module ID identified by the PMT. Note that, uponmonitoring of this module, a DII is obtained, and the monitoring of themodule is carried out based on the obtained DII.

In step S104, the carousel processing unit 110 determines whether thetarget module has not been obtained or whether the target module hasbeen updated. Herein, whether the target module has been updated isdetermined by whether the module version has been changed. In step S104,if it is determined that the target module has not been obtained or thetarget module has been updated, the process proceeds to step S105.

In step S105, the table obtaining/analyzing unit 112 analyzesauto_start_priority described in the obtained PMT and determines whetherthe priority of the linked application is higher than the priority ofthe data-broadcast content. In step S105, if it is determined that thepriority of the linked application is higher than the priority of thedata-broadcast content, the process proceeds to step S106.

In step S106, the carousel processing unit 110 rebuilds the module ofthe module ID identified by PMT and obtains the AIT.

In step S107, the application control unit 113 analyzes the applicationcontrol information contained in the AIT and discriminates if thecontrol command is Auto Start, Present, Kill or Prefetch.

In step S108, the application control unit 113 determines whether thediscrimination result in step S107 is Prefetch. If Prefetch isdetermined in step S108, the process proceeds to step S109.

In step S109, in accordance with control from the application controlunit 113, the communication I/F 114 accesses the application server 30identified by the application URL and obtains the linked application.The linked application is retained in the memory 115. When step S108 isterminated, the process proceeds to step S116.

If it is determined in step S108 that the discrimination result in stepS107 is not Prefetch, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110,the application control unit 113 determines whether the discriminationresult in step S107 is Auto Start. If it is determined in step S110 thatthe discrimination result in step S107 is Auto Start, the processproceeds to step S111.

In step S111, if the linked application identified by the application IDhas not been obtained (not present in the memory 115), the applicationcontrol unit 113 obtains it.

In step S112, the application control unit 113 obtains the linkedapplication, which is identified by the application ID, from the memory115 and activates it. When step 112 is terminated, the process proceedsto step S116.

If it is determined in step S110 that the discrimination result in stepS107 is not Auto Start, the process proceeds to step S113.

In step S113, the application control unit 113 determines whether thediscrimination result in step S107 is Kill. If it is determined in stepS113 that the discrimination result in step S107 is Kill, the processproceeds to step S114.

In step S114, if the linked application, which is identified by theapplication ID, is being executed, the application control unit 113terminates it. When step S114 is terminated, the process proceeds tostep S116.

If it is determined in step S113 that the discrimination result in stepS107 is not Kill, the discrimination result in step S107 is Present.Therefore, the process proceeds to step S115.

In step S115, the application control unit 113 stores the application IDserving as a target. By virtue of this, the linked application of theapplication ID serving as the target is executed at arbitrary timing.When step S115 is terminated, the process proceeds to step S116.

In step S116, the application control unit 113 determines whether allthe processes described in the AIT have been terminated. If it isdetermined in step S116 that the processes have not been terminated, theprocess returns to step S107, and the processes thereafter are repeated.If it is determined in step S116 that the processes have beenterminated, the process returns to step S103, and the processesthereafter are repeated.

Note that, if it is determined in step S105 that the priority of thelinked application is lower than the priority of the data-broadcastcontent, the process proceeds to step S117. Then, in step S117, it isdetermined whether the data-broadcast content transmitted in the datacarousel transmission scheme is present. If the data-broadcast contentis present, it is obtained and activated (S118).

Hereinabove, the explanation of the application control processaccording to the first scheme is terminated.

In the application control process according to the first scheme, thelinked application can be activated or terminated in conjunction with,for example, a TV program or the like. In the case of the first scheme,the module by which the AIT is transmitted is identified byrepresentative_module_id described in the additional data descriptor ofthe PMT.

Note that, in the first scheme, the module by which the AIT istransmitted may be identified by using the module ID specified by theDII. However, if the production environments of the linked applicationand the data-broadcast content are different, it is more suitable toidentify the module by representative_module_id in terms of cleardistinguishment of the boundary of the environments thereof.

(Second Scheme)

Next, the second scheme will be explained with reference to FIG. 12 andFIG. 13.

FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a description example of the PMT accordingto the second scheme. As shown in FIG. 12, in the second scheme, in thePMT, the information about the application control information isdescribed in the reserve region of the data-encoding-scheme descriptor.

In the reserve region of the data-encoding-scheme descriptor, thefollowing content is described.

As additional_default_ait_info_indicator, the information indicatingwhether a default AIT is transmitted is described. For example, if “0”is specified as additional_default_ait_info_indicator, this indicatesthat an AIT for a linked application consisting of an HTML 5 formdocument is transmitted in the data carousel transmission scheme.

If “0” is specified as additional_default_ait_info_indicator, thepriority of automatic activation (Auto start) of the type of the linkedapplication with respect to the type of the data-broadcast content isdescribed as default_auto_start_priority_flag. For example, if “0” isspecified as default_auto_start_priority_flag, this indicates that HTML5 form documents have higher priority than BML-form documents.

If an AIT other than the AIT of default is specified, “0” is describedas non_default_ait_info_indiciator. More specifically, the AIT isbasically transmitted in the data carousel transmission scheme as an AITfor a linked application consisting of an HTML 5 form document; however,a possibility of an AIT other than the AIT of default being transmittedis also expected. Therefore, in preparation for future expansion, if “0”is specified as non_default_ait_info_indicator, an AIT other than thatof default is to be transmitted. Therefore, information about this AITis described thereafter.

If the AIT other than that of default is to be transmitted, the numberof the scheme(s) thereof is described as non_default_ait_info_number. Ifthe AIT other than that of default is to be transmitted,additional_ait_info( ) is described in accordance with the number of theschemes.

As additional_ait_info( ) ait_identifier_info( ) is described, and thecontent thereof is similar to that of ait_identifier_info( ) of thefirst scheme of FIG. 10. Therefore, the explanation thereof is omitted.

In the second scheme, the PMT is described in the above-describedmanner.

Note that the description content of the reserve region of thedata-encoding-scheme descriptor according to the second scheme isarbitrary, and is not limited to the description example of FIG. 12.

(Application Control Process of Second Scheme)

Next, an application control process according to the second scheme willbe explained with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 13.

In step S200, the table obtaining/analyzing unit 112 obtains a PMT atpredetermined timing such as upon channel selection. In step S201, thecarousel processing unit 110 obtains a DII transmitted in the datacarousel transmission scheme.

In step S202, according to the module ID specified by the DII, thecarousel processing unit 110 identifies the module ID of a module bywhich an AIT is transmitted. Note that, when the information indicatingthe AIT is identified as a content type in the module unit informationon the DII, the module ID of the module by which the AIT is transmittedcan be specified according to this information.

In steps S203 to S218, as well as steps S103 to S118 of FIG. 11, if thetarget module has not been obtained or the target module has beenupdated, the AIT transmitted by the target module is obtained, and anoperation corresponding to the control command contained in theapplication control information is carried out. If “0” is specified asdefault_auto_start_priority_flag described in the PMT, the priority ofthe linked application is higher than the priority of the data-broadcastcontent; and therefore, activation of the linked application isprioritized.

Hereinabove, the explanation of the application control processaccording to the second scheme has been terminated.

In the application control process according to the second scheme, thelinked application can be activated or terminated in conjunction with,for example, a TV program. In the case of the second scheme, since themodule ID cannot be identified by the PMT, the module by which the AITis transmitted is identified by referencing the DII.

As described above, according to the present techniques, by using thedata carousel transmission scheme, by transmitting the applicationcontrol information, the linked application can be operated inconjunction with a TV program or the like.

The provider side such as a broadcasting station desires employment of ascheme that reduces cost burden and operation risks as much as possibleby introducing a new transmitting apparatus. If the present techniquesare employed, the application control information can be transmitted byutilizing the existing data carousel transmission scheme. Therefore, thecost burden and operation risks can be reduced.

In the above-described explanations, the application control informationhas been explained as the transmission data transmitted in the datacarousel transmission scheme. However, it is not limited thereto, and,for example, various data such as music data and data of electronicbooks can be transmitted as the transmission data.

[Configuration Example of Computer to which Present Technology isApplied]

The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware butcan also be executed by software. When the series of processes isexecuted by software, a program that constructs such software isinstalled into a computer. Here, the expression “computer” includes acomputer in which dedicated hardware is incorporated and ageneral-purpose personal computer or the like that is capable ofexecuting various functions when various programs are installed.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of acomputer that performs the above-described series of processing using aprogram.

In the computer 200, a central processing unit (CPU) 201, a read onlymemory (ROM) 202 and a random access memory (RAM) 203 are mutuallyconnected by a bus 204.

An input/output interface 205 is also connected to the bus 204. An inputunit 206, an output unit 207, a recording unit 208, a communication unit209, and a drive 210 are connected to the input/output interface 205.

The input unit 206 is configured from a keyboard, a mouse, a microphoneor the like. The output unit 207 is configured from a display, a speakeror the like. The recording unit 208 is configured from a hard disk, anon-volatile memory or the like. The communication unit 209 isconfigured from a network interface or the like. The drive 210 drives aremovable medium 211 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, amagneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory or the like.

In the computer 200 configured as described above, the CPU 201 loads aprogram that is stored, for example, in the recording unit 208 onto theRAM 203 via the input/output interface 205 and the bus 204, and executesthe program. Thus, the above-described series of processing isperformed.

Programs to be executed by the computer 200 (the CPU 201) are providedbeing recorded in the removable medium 211 which is a packaged medium orthe like. Also, programs may be provided via a wired or wirelesstransmission medium, such as a local area network, the Internet ordigital satellite broadcasting.

In the computer 200, by loading the removable medium 211 into the drive210, the program can be installed into the recording unit 208 via theinput/output interface 205. It is also possible to receive the programfrom a wired or wireless transfer medium using the communication unit209 and install the program into the recording unit 208. As anotheralternative, the program can be installed in advance into the ROM 202 orthe recording unit 208.

It should be noted that the program executed by a computer 200 may be aprogram that is processed in time series according to the sequencedescribed in this specification or a program that is processed inparallel or at necessary timing such as upon calling.

Here, in the present specification, processing steps that describe theprogram causing the computer 200 to execute various processes may notnecessarily be processed in time series in the order prescribed as aflowchart, but include processes (for example, parallel processes orprocesses by objects) performed in parallel or individually.

The program may be a program executed by a single computer or may be aprogram executed in a distribution manner by a plurality of computers.The program may be transmitted remotely to a computer to be executed.

Further, in the present disclosure, a system has the meaning of a set ofa plurality of configured elements (such as an apparatus or a module(part)), and does not take into account whether or not all theconfigured elements are in the same casing. Therefore, the system may beeither a plurality of apparatuses, stored in separate casings andconnected through a network, or a plurality of modules within a singlecasing.

An embodiment of the disclosure is not limited to the embodimentsdescribed above, and various changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the scope of the disclosure.

For example, the present disclosure can adopt a configuration of cloudcomputing which processes by allocating and connecting one function by aplurality of apparatuses through a network.

Further, each step described by the above mentioned flow charts can beexecuted by one apparatus or by allocating a plurality of apparatuses.

In addition, in the case where a plurality of processes is included inone step, the plurality of processes included in this one step can beexecuted by one apparatus or by allocating a plurality of apparatuses.

Note that the present techniques can have configurations below.

(1) A reception apparatus having:

a reception unit that receives broadcast content transmitted bybroadcast waves of digital broadcasting;

a first obtaining unit that obtains transmission data that istransmitted in a data carousel transmission scheme by the broadcastwaves and is other than the data-broadcast content; and

a control unit that controls a predetermined operation based on theobtained transmission data.

(2) The reception apparatus according to (1), wherein

the transmission data is control information for controlling anoperation of an application program executed in conjunction with thebroadcast content; and

the control unit controls the operation of the application programdistributed via a network in accordance with the control information.

(3) The reception apparatus according to (2), further having

a second obtaining unit that obtains identification information on amodule for transmitting the control information described in anadditional data descriptor different from a data-encoding-schemedescriptor in a data elementary stream description region of a PMT(Program Map Table) transmitted by the broadcast waves; wherein

the first obtaining unit obtains the control information from the moduleidentified by the obtained identification information.

(4) The reception apparatus according to (3), wherein

information indicating a type of the transmission data is described asthe additional data descriptor.

(5) The reception apparatus according to (4), wherein,

if the control information is specified as the type, the control unitcontrols the operation of the application program in accordance with setcontent described as the additional data descriptor.

(6) The reception apparatus according to (4) or (5), wherein,

if the control information is specified as the type, informationindicating a transmission scheme of the control information is describedas additional information as the additional data descriptor.

(7) The reception apparatus according to any of (5) to (7), wherein,

if the control information is specified as the type, informationindicating priority of activation between the application program andthe data-broadcast content is described as additional information as theadditional data descriptor.

(8) The reception apparatus according to (2), wherein

the first obtaining unit

obtains identification information on a module for transmitting thecontrol information obtained from a DII (Download Info Indication)storing directory information on a DDB (Download Data Block) in the datacarousel transmission scheme and

obtains the control information from the module identified by theobtained identification information.

(9) The reception apparatus according to (8), wherein,

if the control information specified as default and described in areserve region of a data-encoding-scheme descriptor in a data elementarystream description region of a PMT (Program Map Table) transmitted bythe broadcast waves is transmitted, the control unit controls theoperation of the application program in accordance with set contentdetermined in advance.

(10) The reception apparatus according to (9), wherein,

when the control information specified as the default is nottransmitted, information indicating a transmission scheme of the controlinformation is described as additional information in the reserveregion.

(11) The reception apparatus according to (9) or (10), wherein,

when the control information specified as the default is nottransmitted, information indicating priority of activation between theapplication program and the data-broadcast content is described asadditional information in the reserve region.

(12) A reception method of a reception apparatus, the reception methodincluding:

a step of receiving, by the reception apparatus, broadcast contenttransmitted by a broadcast wave of digital broadcasting;

a step of obtaining, by the reception apparatus, transmission data otherthan data-broadcast content, is the transmission data being transmittedin a data carousel transmission scheme by the broadcast wave; and

a step of controlling, by the reception apparatus, a predeterminedoperation based on the obtained transmission data.

(13) A program for causing a computer to function as:

a reception unit that receives broadcast content transmitted by abroadcast wave of digital broadcasting;

a first obtaining unit that obtains transmission data other thandata-broadcast content, the transmission data being transmitted in adata carousel transmission scheme by the broadcast wave; and

a control unit that controls a predetermined operation based on theobtained transmission data.

(14) A transmission apparatus including:

a first transmission unit that transmits broadcast content transmittedby a broadcast wave of digital broadcasting; and

a second transmission unit that transmits transmission data other thandata-broadcast content, the transmission data being transmitted in adata carousel transmission scheme by the broadcast wave.

(15) A transmission method of a transmission apparatus, the transmissionmethod including:

a step of transmitting, by the transmission apparatus, broadcast contenttransmitted by a broadcast wave of digital broadcasting; and

a step of transmitting, by the transmission apparatus, transmission dataother than data-broadcast content, the transmission data beingtransmitted in a data carousel transmission scheme by the broadcastwave.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 broadcast system-   10 broadcast apparatus-   20 reception apparatus-   30 application server-   40 Internet-   101 control unit-   103 tuner-   110 carousel processing unit-   111 data-broadcast control unit-   112 table obtaining/analyzing unit-   113 application control unit-   114 communication I/F-   115 memory-   200 computer-   201 CPU

The invention claimed is:
 1. A reception apparatus, comprising:circuitry configured to: receive broadcast content from a broadcastnetwork; receive transmission data from the broadcast network, whereinthe transmission data is received from a data carousel transmissionscheme; receive a Program Map Table (PMT) from the broadcast network;obtain identification information of a module that transmits controlinformation, based on an additional data descriptor other than adata-encoding-scheme descriptor in a data elementary stream descriptionregion of the PMT; obtain the control information from the transmissiondata based on the identification information of the module; and controlan operation of an application program associated with the broadcastcontent, based on the control information.
 2. The reception apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the circuitry is further configured to receive theapplication program via a first network.
 3. The reception apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the identification information is described in theadditional data descriptor that is different from thedata-encoding-scheme descriptor in the data elementary streamdescription region of the PMT.
 4. The reception apparatus of claim 3,wherein the additional data descriptor indicates a type of thetransmission data.
 5. The reception apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecircuitry is further configured to obtain the control information fromthe module identified based on the obtained identification information.6. The reception apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is furtherconfigured to obtain the identification information of the module from aDownload Info Indication (DII) that stores directory information on aDownload Data Block (DDB) in the data carousel transmission scheme. 7.The reception apparatus of claim 4, wherein based on the controlinformation that is specified as the type, the circuitry is furtherconfigured to: control the operation of the application program based onset content described in the additional data descriptor; describetransmission scheme information of the control information as additionalinformation in the additional data descriptor; and describe, a priorityof activation information between the application program and thebroadcast content, as the additional information in the additional datadescriptor.
 8. A reception method, comprising: in a reception apparatus:receiving broadcast content from a broadcast network; receivingtransmission data from the broadcast network, wherein the transmissiondata is received from a data carousel transmission scheme; receiving aProgram Map Table (PMT) from the broadcast network; obtainingidentification information of a module that transmits controlinformation, based on an additional data descriptor other than adata-encoding-scheme descriptor in a data elementary stream descriptionregion of the PMT; obtaining the control information from thetransmission data based on the identification information of the module;and controlling an operation of an application program associated withthe broadcast content, based on the control information.
 9. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium storing having stored thereon,computer-readable instructions for causing a computer to executeoperations, the operations comprising: receiving broadcast content froma broadcast network; receiving transmission data from the broadcastnetwork, wherein the transmission data is received from a data carouseltransmission scheme; receiving a Program Map Table (PMT) from thebroadcast network; obtaining identification information of a module thattransmits control information, based on an additional data descriptorother than a data-encoding-scheme descriptor in a data elementary streamdescription region of the PMT; obtaining the control information fromthe transmission data based on the identification information of themodule; and controlling an operation of an application programassociated with the broadcast content, based on the control information.10. A television receiver, comprising: circuitry configured to: receivebroadcast content from a broadcast network; receive transmission datafrom the broadcast network, wherein the transmission data is receivedfrom a data carousel transmission scheme; receive a Program Map Table(PMT) from the broadcast network; obtain identification information of amodule that transmits control information, based on an additional datadescriptor other than a data-encoding-scheme descriptor in a dataelementary stream description region of the PMT; obtain the controlinformation from the transmission data based on the identificationinformation of the module; and control an operation of an applicationprogram associated with the broadcast content, based on the controlinformation.
 11. The reception apparatus of claim 2, wherein the firstnetwork is an internet network.